The bird's-eye view surprises observers! The city built on a hexagonal plan after the earthquake.

The great earthquake that struck Sicily, Italy, in 1693 caused extensive destruction in the region's settlements. While a significant portion of homes and public buildings in Occhiola, one of the most affected places, was demolished, a different solution was devised for the surviving population.

Instead of rebuilding the old settlement, a decision was made to construct an entirely new city in a nearby area. Thus the founding process of the new town called Grammichele began.

The First Stone Was Laid Within a Few Months

The founding work of the new city was undertaken by the region's governor at the time, Prince Carlo Maria Carafa of Butera.

Shortly after the 1693 earthquake, action was taken, and at the ceremony held on April 18, 1693, the first stone of Grammichele was laid. Thus a new city began to be built for the residents who had lost their homes.

However, Grammichele was not designed as an ordinary settlement where only new buildings were constructed. The entire city was planned according to a specific geometric layout.

The city's plan was etched onto a stone slab.

Grammichele's unconventional city plan was prepared by architect and religious scholar Carlo Maria Carafa and Michele da Ferla.

“Exagonum”In the design called Exagonum, the city's center and surrounding roads and building islands were arranged within a geometric system. It is noted that the city's plan was etched onto a stone slab, which is preserved today in the city hall.

This plan not only defined the locations of buildings but also outlined the city's transportation system and the interconnections among main roads.

There is a huge hexagonal square in the center.

The most striking feature of Grammichele is the hexagonal square at the city center.

Today, the square named after Carlo Maria Carafa radiates main roads from its six different sides to various points of the city, and the surrounding streets and building blocks are likewise arranged according to the same geometric scheme.

This layout gives the city, especially when viewed from the air, an extremely symmetrical and striking appearance.

Important buildings are clustered around the square.

The city's important administrative and religious structures are also positioned around the central square.

The town hall and the San Michele Church, among other important structures, are situated near the square. At its center stands a memorial statue together with a large sundial.

Initially created to regulate the transportation and development of the new city, the square eventually became Grammichele’s social and administrative hub.

Old and New City Side by Side

Grammichele’s unconventional plan also creates a strong contrast with the region’s past.

After the 1693 earthquake, the irregular remnants left from the old Occhiola settlement carry the scars of the disaster, while Grammichele represents the life that began anew with a planned and geometric city concept following the same calamity.

Today, the contrasting images of the two settlements reveal the traces of Sicily’s great transformation. Grammichele’s hexagonal city plan continues to be the city’s most distinctive and distinguishing feature even centuries later.